Sixth Form students from across Coventry and Warwickshire honored at University of Warwick award ceremony

A band of budding scientists have picked up the title of Coventry and Warwickshire Physicists of the Year after being nominated for the award by their teachers.

Nineteen of the best AS-Level students from across the region had their hard work, effort and dedication rewarded at a special ceremony at the University’s Physics Lecture Theatre on Monday night.

Organiser Ally Caldecote, Ogden School Teacher Fellow based in the Department of Physics said the event aimed to recognise the achievement of the A-Level Physics students.

Mrs Caldecote said: “We want to congratulate these students who are excelling in physics.

“These are the people who could be pushing back the boundaries of science and making mind blowing discoveries in the next generation, they really could be the leading scientists of tomorrow. It’s been an absolute privilege to honor them all.”

The 19 winners were all given a certificate of achievement and a £25 book voucher, along with a suggested list of science books to stimulate their curiosity even further. The prizes were presented by Professor Malcolm Cooper, Head of Physics at University of Warwick.

Professor Tony Arber gave an inspiring talk to the students about how fusion could solve the Earth’s energy crisis.

He said: “Fusion has the potential to deliver the whole world’s energy needs, for the lifetime of the planet.

“Unlike fossil fuels there would be no carbon dioxide production, and there are no long lived reaction products as with current nuclear power. It is expected that within 15 years there will be a reactor sized experiment happening in France - it’s a very exciting time to be a Physicist.”

Notes for Editors

List of Winners:

Sam Coppard – Coventry Blue Coat C of E School

Victoria Darby – Tile Hill Wood (Coventry)

Shailen Taylor – Bishop Ullathorne RC Secondary School (Coventry)

Katrina Jackson – King Henry VIII School (Coventry)

Natasha Frazer – Caludon Castle School (Coventry)

Grace Megan Popay – Cardinal Wiseman School (Coventry)

Emma Moffatt – Finham Park School (Coventry)

Oliver Towlson – Bablake School (Coventry)

Daniel Molloy – Cardinal Newman Catholic School (Coventry)

Thomas Adams – Ernesford Grange Community School (Coventry)

Francesca Tromans – Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls

James Johnston – Stratford-upon-Avon High School

Michael Kershaw – Kenilworth School

Nunu Tao – King’s High School (Warwick)

Charlotte Parker – Rugby High School

Alex Tomkinson – Rugby School

Zachary Dean – King Edward VI College (Nuneaton)

Rachel Martin – Coleshill School

Charlotte Mould – Polesworth School

For more details contact Luke Hamer, Assistant Press Officer, University of Warwick on 02476 575601 or email l.hamer@warwick.ac.uk.